2024: A Year of Innovation and Excellence
College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
2024 has been a transformative year for the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences at the University of Galway.
From groundbreaking research advancements to innovative educational initiatives and impactful community engagement, we have continued to lead the way in shaping the future of healthcare. This year’s achievements reflect the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as our commitment to excellence in education, cutting-edge research, and improving health outcomes locally and globally.
Join us as we look back at a snapshot of the past year.
January / February
Teddy Bears Hospital 2024
Sláinte Soc welcomed over 1000 primary school pupils to their annual Teddy Bears Hospital
iHealthFacts marks one year of debunking health claims
Researchers at University of Galway have marked one year of a project designed to tackle healthcare myths and help the public to quickly and easily check the reliability of popular health claims through the online resource iHealthFacts.ie. Read more
University of Galway spearheads project to improve regular care during future pandemics
A new research project being pioneered by University of Galway is to develop solutions to ensure the seamless delivery of regular and elective patient care in a health emergency such as a pandemic. Read more
My Uni Life
As part of the IUA series called My Uni Life, watch as students and staff from our College and the HSE participate in an emergency situation. View Episode 2 - Part 2
Heart disease research challenges ‘one size fits all’ aspirin guidelines
Heart disease researchers have identified a group of patients in whom international guidelines on aspirin use for heart health may not apply. Read more
March / April
New technique for Parkinson’s stem cell brain repair brings promise for patients
Research funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation uses hydrogel to improve therapy
Diabetes Researcher Honoured with Global Recognition
Professor Fidelma Dunne becomes the first Irish person to receive Norbert Freinkel Award from American Diabetes Association. Read more
University of Galway reports successful “first in human” clinical trial of pioneering guidance for heart bypass surgery
The FAST TRACK CABG study, overseen by the University’s CORRIB Research Centre for Advanced Imaging and Core Lab, has seen heart surgeons plan and carry out coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), based solely on non-invasive cardiac-CT scan images, with HeartFlow’s AI-powered blood flow analysis of the patient’s coronary arteries. Read more
Research reveals crucial insights into children’s health behaviours
Study highlights concerns over mental health and wellbeing, with older children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds more vulnerable. Read more
May / June
Digital Babies Created to Improve Infant Healthcare
University secures five research awards under Frontiers for the Future
Researchers at University of Galway have secured five major grant awards totalling almost €6 million to advance scientific and medical breakthroughs. Read more
How AI is already being used in Irish hospitals - and what the future might hold for patient care
AI has the potential to transform healthcare, but only if the correct safety measures are put in place. Read more
Minister Higgins announces €7m funding for BioInnovate Ireland at University of Galway
Ian Quinn Centre for Health Technology Innovation formally launched at University of Galway in honour of pioneering medtech entrepreneur. Read more
July / August
Researchers create new device for on-the-spot water testing
How AI can help heart patients avoid having needless stents to keep arteries open
Heart disease patients in Ireland and across the world can look forward to better outcomes and avoiding unnecessary treatments due to artificial intelligence advances. Read more
Exoskeleton research to assess benefits to healthcare staff
A European research project has been launched to assess the potential for exoskeleton supports to benefit nurses, carers and allied healthcare workers such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Read more
Delivering healthcare as Gaeilge
A new study outlines challenges facing Irish-speaking doctors and the provision of healthcare through the language. Read more
September / October
Drinking more than four cups of coffee per day increases risk of stroke, research finds
EU awards major research funding to tackle neurodegenerative disorders
A research project aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders has received €1.1 million in funding support by the European Union through the Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND). Read more
Luminate raises €13.5m in funding for new cancer therapy supports
Luminate, a University of Galway spin-out that makes product to control the side effects of treatment for cancer, has raised $15 million (€13.5 million). The initial investment round will allow the business add 30 staff, doubling its workforce in advance of a launch in the US market next year. Read more
University of Galway to expand healthcare education with additional programmes
Government confirms more than 120 new student places with new programmes for Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine. Read more
November / December
University of Galway and Medtronic Win Best Collaboration Award at MedTech Rising 2024
Relevium Medical secures €4.6m to develop knee osteoarthritis treatment
University of Galway spinout, Relevium Medical, has been awarded €4.6 million in Government funding to develop an immediate and long-lasting treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Read more
HSE West and North West – University of Galway Cancer Network accredited by OECI
The HSE West and North West – University of Galway Cancer Network is delighted has been accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI). Read more
Chief Medical Officer launches National Mental Health Promotion Plan
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan, recently launched ‘Pathways to Wellbeing - National Mental Health Promotion Plan’ - Ireland’s first National Mental Health Promotion Plan. Read more